Walker Police search for car wash bandit

WALKER - Police are searching for a man who robbed a car wash last month. He was caught on camera going from coin box to coin box.

It happened at Bayou Self Car Wash on Walker South Road early in the morning on May 5. Police said the man drilled holes into about seven coin boxes and was successful in opening at least three of them, taking the change from inside.

The surveillance video shows the man driving up to the wash in a black Toyota Tacoma X-runner around 5 a.m.

"The truck in this case is an expensive vehicle," said Walker Police Cpt. John Sharp. "Why he chose to break into coin boxes at a car wash is a bit of a mystery."

He had an accomplice with him in the truck, which police say has a distinguished decal on the back window and black rims.

The two people in the truck drive off after circling the property for a few minutes. The man returns alone about an hour later wearing jeans, a long-sleeve sweatshirt, a ski mask and gloves. He's carrying a backpack and what appears to be a cordless drill.

"He's trying really hard to not reveal any physical characteristics," said Sharp.

The owner of the car wash says the man only got away with about 20 dollars in change. She's more upset about all the damage he caused.

"I feel very violated, unappreciated and now knowing that this thug is running around and not caught yet, that affects me," said Bayou Self Car Wash owner Lisa.

The owner estimates the cost to fix the damaged change boxes is about $1,300.

Police say they're looking for a white male in his 20s, about six feet tall with dark hair and a medium build. If you have any information about the man or the truck, give them a call at (225) 664-312.